SERDANG, 13 SEPTEMBER 2024: The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) highlighted its strategic initiatives through partnerships with anchor companies to advance regional agriculture at the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agro-Tourism (MAHA) Exhibition 2024, which kicked off on 11 September 2024 at MAEPS, Serdang, Selangor, under the theme “Harvesting Tomorrow Where Dreams Blossom.” 

ECERDC’s participation at MAHA 2024 emphasizes its commitment to enhancing food security and economic growth through modern farming technologies and sustainable practices, aimed at empowering local communities and reducing the nation’s reliance on food imports. 

“The achievements showcased at MAHA 2024 reflect our commitment to modernising agriculture and strengthening food security in Malaysia. Our collaboration with anchor companies such as Farm Fresh and Lada Besa Sdn. Bhd. (LadaBESA) are instrumental in transforming the agricultural landscape of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), creating job opportunities, and uplifting local communities, particularly the B40 group and Orang Asli,” said YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

In May 2024, ECERDC collaborated with Lada Besar Sdn. Bhd. and its subsidiary, LadaBESA, as the anchor company to spearhead a chilli fertigation project spanning 77 acres in Bukit Bidong, Setiu, Terengganu. This initiative falls under Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat – Inisiatif Usahawan Tani (IPR-INTAN). LadaBESA, renowned for its technological expertise, integrates an IoT-based smart irrigation system capable of enabling continuous daily yields of various crops, including chilli, okra, and eggplants. This project is the first of its kind under ECERDC’s IPR-INTAN programme, marking a significant step towards eradicating extreme poverty, bolstering national 

food security, and driving the adoption of smart agriculture technologies in Malaysia. “Our efforts in modernising agriculture, coupled with strong partnerships, are not only boosting local production but also ensuring a stable food supply for the nation. We aim to replicate the success of initiatives like the Rompin Integrated Pineapple Plantation (RIPP), which produces Rompine-branded pineapple-based products, and the Muadzam Shah Cattle Research and Innovation Centre (MSCRIC), which supplies fresh milk for Farm Fresh, through similar collaborations with anchor companies and stakeholders,” added YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat. 

MSCRIC and RIPP serve as prime examples of the impact that strategic partnerships can have on transforming the agricultural landscape. MSCRIC produces 6 million litres of fresh milk annually under the Farm Fresh brand, creating over 200 jobs for locals, including the Orang Asli, and establishing more than 1,100 entrepreneurs. RIPP, on the other hand, employs high-technology, large-scale commercial farming techniques to produce MD2 pineapples and manages the entire value chain, providing opportunities for 138 local workers, including 82 Orang Asli. 

Additionally, the Herbal Integrated Cluster Development (HICD) in Chegar Perah, Lipis, led by anchor company CSC Integrated Herbal Sdn Bhd, showcased another dimension of ECERDC’s agricultural strategy. With over 21,159 Tongkat Ali trees and other high-value herbs such as Musk Lime, the project spans 119 hectares and has created 28 jobs opportunities for the local community. This initiative demonstrates ECERDC’s commitment to diversifying agricultural production and promoting sustainable practices. 

By fostering innovation and sustainable practices, ECERDC supports to strengthen Malaysia’s food security, reduces reliance on imports, and creates economic opportunities, particularly for low-income families. These initiatives are key to driving regional socio-economic growth and ensuring a resilient food supply for the nation. 

At MAHA 2024, ECERDC will also showcase four of its flagship agricultural industrial parks, designed to strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector. These include the Pasir Mas Halal Park (PMHP), Endau-Mersing Fish Processing Park (EMFPP), Tok Bali Integrated Fisheries Park (TBIFP), and Gambang Halal Park (GHP). Each park is designed to advance agricultural businesses and contribute to the agrofood@ECER initiative, targeting a 100% Self-Sufficiency Rate (SSR). This long-term strategy aligns with ECERDC’s mission to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imports and position the East Coast region as the nation’s primary food production hub. 

ECERDC is participating in the MAHA Exhibition 2024 at MAEPS, Serdang, Selangor, from now until 22 September 2024. Visitors are invited to explore opportunities for growing the agriculture sector in the East Coast region, with ECERDC offering support and solutions for sustainable development.